Head-to-head · 2026
Grinnell College vs Iowa State University
Compare average net price ($17,648 at Grinnell College; $18,589 at Iowa State University), ROI score (8.90 vs 8.52), ten-year median earnings ($62,830 vs $63,386), and admissions selectivity (14.5% acceptance at Grinnell College; 88.7% at Iowa State University) using federal College Scorecard data. Grinnell College has a 6-1 metric-level edge. Grinnell College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Grinnell College | Iowa State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.90 ✓ | 8.52 |
| Avg net price | $17,648 ✓ | $18,589 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $62,830 | $63,386 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 14.5% ✓ | 88.7% |
| Graduation rate | 88.1% ✓ | 75.3% |
| Median debt | $17,500 ✓ | $22,869 |
| Enrollment | 1,729 | 25,367 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1486 ✓ | 1204 |
| Metric advantages | 6 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Iowa State University costs $941 more per year than Grinnell College ($18,589 vs $17,648). Iowa State University graduates report $556 higher median earnings after ten years ($63,386 vs $62,830). On EduGradify's model that puts Grinnell College ahead on projected ROI (8.90 vs 8.52, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Grinnell College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Grinnell College is highly competitive at 14.5% acceptance versus 88.7% (accessible) at Iowa State University.
Frequently asked
Grinnell College vs Iowa State University, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Grinnell College or Iowa State University the better value?
Grinnell College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.90 vs 8.52), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Grinnell College is cheaper — average net price $17,648 per year vs $18,589 at Iowa State University. The annual difference of $941 adds up to about $3,764 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Iowa State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $63,386 vs $62,830 at Grinnell College. The annual gap in the federal data is $556.
Which school is harder to get into?
Grinnell College is more selective at 14.5% acceptance vs 88.7% at Iowa State University.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Grinnell College reports a B value grade; Iowa State University reports B.